An Overview to the Behavioral Perspective Show Citation: Huitt, W., & Hummel, J. (2006). An overview of the behavioral perspective. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved [date], from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/behavior/behsys.html Return to | EdPsyc Interactive: Courses | EdPsyc Topics | Overview According to the behaviorists, learning can be defined as the relatively permanent change in behavior brought about as a result of experience or practice. [Note: an internal event displayed by overt behavior; contrasted with biological maturation or genetics as an explanation for relatively permanent change.] In fact, the term "learning theory" is often associated with the behavioral view. Researchers who affiliate with this position do not generally look with favor on the term "behavior potential" (i.e., may be capable of performing but did not for some reason such as illness, situation, etc.) that was included in a definition accepted by those with a cognitive or humanistic viewpoint. The focus of the behavioral approach is on how the environment impacts overt behavior. The psychomotor domain is associated with overt behavior when writing instructional objectives. Cunia (2005) provides an excellent overview of the behavioral approach applied to learning. Behavior analysis is the term used to describe the scientific study of behavior and behavior modification is the term used to describe the application of behavior analysis concepts and principles for the systematic or programatic changing of behavior. As we discuss the behavioral approach, for the most part we will assume that the mind is a "black box" that we cannot see into. The only way we know what is going on in the mind, according to most behaviorists, is to look at overt behavior. The feedback loop that connects overt behavior to stimuli that activate the senses has been studied extensively from this perspective. There are three types of behaviorial learning theories:
Note: Observational (Social) learning (learning through observing and modeling) is sometimes considered a behavioral learning theory but is covered with social cognition in these pages Additional Terminology: Return to Top
References
There are a variety of principles for applying a behavior modification program in a classroom. | Internet Resources | Electronic Files | Return to:
All materials on this website [http://www.edpsycinteractive.org] are, unless otherwise stated, the property of William G. Huitt. Copyright and other intellectual property laws protect these materials. Reproduction or retransmission of the materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the copyright holder, is a violation of copyright law. Which of the following refers to a relatively permanent change in behavior that is caused by experience quizlet?Learning refers to a relatively permanent change in behavior that is caused by experience.
What is a permanent change in behavior called?A relatively permanent change in behavior is called learning.
Which of the following refers to a relatively permanent change in mental processing?Learning is defined in this chapter as a relatively permanent change in mental processing, emo- tional functioning, and/or behavior as a result of experience. It is the lifelong, dynamic process by which individuals acquire new knowledge or skills and alter their thoughts, feelings, atti- tudes, and actions.
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